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Modeling the relationship between IT-mediated social capital and social support: Key mediating mechanisms of sense of group

Author

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  • Tsai, Yuan-Hui
  • Joe, Sheng-Wuu
  • Lin, Chieh-Peng
  • Wang, Rong-Tsu
  • Chang, Yu-Hsiang

Abstract

This study proposes a model based on social capital theory to explain the formation of social support in virtual groups. Although previous literature suggests a direct effect of social capital on social support in face-to-face groups (e.g., working teams), it remains uncertain if such an effect exists completely in the same way among virtual social groups that count heavily on computer-mediated communication. In this study's proposed model, social support is indirectly influenced by social capital and need for affiliation via the mediation of sense of group (which includes perceived membership, mutual influence, and immersion). Empirical testing of this model, by investigating working professionals in online social networking communities, confirms the applicability of social capital and need for affiliation among virtual groups. Group-level data were analyzed by the technique of path analysis to test our hypotheses. Lastly, managerial implications and limitations of the research are provided.

Suggested Citation

  • Tsai, Yuan-Hui & Joe, Sheng-Wuu & Lin, Chieh-Peng & Wang, Rong-Tsu & Chang, Yu-Hsiang, 2012. "Modeling the relationship between IT-mediated social capital and social support: Key mediating mechanisms of sense of group," Technological Forecasting and Social Change, Elsevier, vol. 79(9), pages 1592-1604.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:tefoso:v:79:y:2012:i:9:p:1592-1604
    DOI: 10.1016/j.techfore.2012.05.013
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    Cited by:

    1. Wang, Weisha & Shukla, Paurav & Shi, Guicheng, 2021. "Digitalized social support in the healthcare environment: Effects of the types and sources of social support on psychological well-being," Technological Forecasting and Social Change, Elsevier, vol. 164(C).
    2. Alexander Tatarko, 2013. "Is individual social capital linked to the implementation of entrepreneurial intentions?," HSE Working papers WP BRP 25/SOC/2013, National Research University Higher School of Economics.
    3. Hajli, Nick & Sims, Julian, 2015. "Social commerce: The transfer of power from sellers to buyers," Technological Forecasting and Social Change, Elsevier, vol. 94(C), pages 350-358.
    4. Wu, Po-Hsuan & Lin, Chieh-Peng, 2016. "Learning to foresee the effects of social identity complexity and need for social approval on technology brand loyalty," Technological Forecasting and Social Change, Elsevier, vol. 111(C), pages 188-197.
    5. Luo, Chuan & Lan, Yao & (Robert) Luo, Xin & Li, Han, 2021. "The effect of commitment on knowledge sharing: An empirical study of virtual communities," Technological Forecasting and Social Change, Elsevier, vol. 163(C).
    6. Hajli, M. Nick, 2014. "The role of social support on relationship quality and social commerce," Technological Forecasting and Social Change, Elsevier, vol. 87(C), pages 17-27.

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